Photographic and video image system

ABSTRACT

A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal, a frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation and the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of pending applicationSer. No. 08/329,546 filed Oct. 26, 1994, which is a continuation in partof application Ser. No. 08/026,415 filed Mar. 4, 1993, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a photographic camera system forproducing pictures having various frame sizes, and more particularly toa photographic camera using a specialized photographic film and a filmprinting device for printing the processed photographic film having asuccession, of frames of different sizes that have been photographed bythe camera.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background

[0005] The photographic film that is in the most widespread use today is35-mm film (system 135) as provided for by Japanese Industrial Standards(JIS) and International Organization of Standardization (IOS).

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,908 describes a photographic camera and afilm therefor, with the film being of a 35-mm size devoid of sprocketholes of the size used in present 35-mm films and having an effectiveimage area of about 30 mm across the film, thereby providing anincreased effective usable film area.

[0007] More specifically, ignoring dimensional tolerances, present 35-mmfilms for use in general photography have a width of 35 mm betweenopposite longitudinal edges and include a series of film-transportperforations or sprocket holes defined along the opposite longitudinaledges of the film. The film-transport perforations are spaced 25 mmacross the film and have a pitch of 4.75 mm. Frames on such a present35-mm film are of a rectangular shape having a width of 25 mm across thefilm and a length of 36 mm along the film. The frames have a pitch of 38mm, which is eight times larger than the pitch of the film transportperforations.

[0008] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,908, some modern photographicfilm cameras are electronically controlled to provide motor-drivenoperation with high accuracy, and it has been experimentally confirmedthat the film can be transported quite accurately without requiring thelarge sprocket wheels and film perforations that are found in mostpresent cameras and films. In the system described in U.S. Pat. No.5,049,908, the film-transport perforations are not present in the 35-mmphotographic film, thereby increasing the available frame width acrossthe film up to the regions where such film-transport perforations werelocated. The proposed film thus has an increased effective image areafor improved image quality. This patent describes four sizes that areavailable for frames that can be exposed on a 35-mm film free offilm-transport perforations.

[0009] According to one size, a frame that can be exposed in aneffective image area of the 35-mm film has a width of 30 mm across thefilm and a length of 40 mm along the film. The frames of such a sizehave a pitch of 42.0 mm, for example. The frame size and pitch areselected to match specifications of the present television broadcastingsystem, for example, the NTSC system. Therefore, the frames have anaspect ratio of 3:4.

[0010] Another frame size described in that patent is based onHigh-Definition Television (HDTV) specifications, in which frames have awidth of 30 mm and a length of 53.3 mm and a pitch of 57.75 mm, forexample. The aspect ratio of the frames having that size is 9:16.

[0011] The above-mentioned frame sizes are full-frame sizes, and theother two frame sizes are half-frame sizes. According to one of thehalf-frame sizes, frames have a width of 30 mm and a length of 22.5 mmand a pitch of 26.2 mm, for example, to match present televisionbroadcasting system specifications. According to the other half-framesize, frames have a width of 30 mm and a length of 16.9 mm and a pitchof 21.0 mm, for example, to match HDTV specifications.

[0012] Film with the above four frame formats is stored in the same filmcartridge as presently available 35-mm film.

[0013] Because the frames in either of the above frame formats have awidth of 30 mm, there are unexposed areas of about 2.5 mm between theframes and along the opposite longitudinal edges of the film. Theseunexposed areas may be used to keep the film flat, control the film, andwrite and read data when taking pictures.

[0014] The proposed camera may be relatively small and lightweight,because it does not require film-transport sprocket wheels.

[0015] Films that are actually collected in processing laboratories areprocessed either simultaneously in a batch or individually. In asimultaneous batch processed several thousand films are processed perhour at a high rate to realize economics of scale for reducing theprinting cost. Specifically, a plurality of exposed films are collectedin the processing laboratory and are spliced end to end to form a long,continuous film strip, which is then stored in a film magazine andsubsequently processed.

[0016] If the films that are spliced into the continuous strip containframes exposed in different frame formats, such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,049,908, then the long single film stored in the filmmagazine contains different frame sizes, thereby making printing aproblem.

[0017] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,384,774 and 5,066,971 propose cameras capable ofswitching between half and full frame sizes at the time the film isexposed. When film exposed using these proposed cameras is spliced intoa long, single, film strip for simultaneous batch processing, thecontinuous film strip also contains different frame sizes.

[0018] The processing laboratories are therefore required to formnotches indicative of frame centers for automatically printing splicedfilms with different frame sizes after they are developed. For example,as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,591, a human operator manuallynotches a side edge of a spliced film and, hence, the notches arerequired to control the feed of the film. With the disclosed process, itis impossible to process several thousand films per hour, however, thecost of processing exposed film is relatively high. As a consequence,films with different frame sizes may not be accepted by processinglaboratories in Japan.

[0019] Many processing laboratories all over the world also do notaccept films with frames exposed in half size because they do not wantdifferent frame sizes to be contained in a single spliced film that isstored in a single film magazine for subsequent processing and printing.This problem arises because the different frame sizes can be recognizedonly after the film has been developed. One solution would be to applymarking seals to exposed films so that the films of different framesizes thereof can be distinguished and sorted out for individualprocessing and printing. Nevertheless, use of marking seals would notessentially solve the problem, because it would be difficult to supplysuch marking seals consistently over a number of years.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea variable frame size photographic system that can eliminate theabove-noted drawbacks inherent in prior proposed systems.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide aphotographic and video system that can provide a video display of animage on a photographic film prior to printing the image.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide aphotographic film printer for automatically printing successivephotographic films in response to order information recorded on thephotographic film by the user.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a photographic and video system including a photographicprinter body, a film feed device for feeding the photographic film, animage transforming device disposed on the printer body for transforminga photographic image into a video signal, a detecting device disposed onthe printer body for detecting position indicator that is a hole or wasoptically or magnetically recorded on the photographic film and fordetecting aspect information that was recorded on the film, and a filmfeed control device disposed on the printer body for controlling feedingof the photographic film in response to the frame position indicatordetected by the detecting device and for controlling the imagetransforming device in response to the aspect information detected bythe detecting device.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isalso provided a photographic image apparatus for transforming an imageon a frame of photographic film into a video signal for display prior tomaking a photographic print of the image, including a film feed devicefor positioning the photographic film at a printing location, a detectorfor detecting frame aspect information recorded on the film andgenerating an aspect information signal, an image transformer fortransforming an optical image into a video signal, and a superimposingdisplay for displaying the video signal mixed with the aspectinformation signal. The display of the video signal can be controlledbased on the detected aspect information.

[0025] The present invention in another aspect also provides aphotographic film printer including a printer body, a device fortransforming an image on the film into a video signal, and a device forpermitting a user to input print order information that is recorded onthe film. Aspect information concerning the size of the exposed frame isalso recorded on the film. The order information is used to produce thedesired size and quantity of prints and the aspect information controlsvariable opening masks in the printer.

[0026] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following description ofillustrative embodiments thereof to be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent thesame or similar objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a 35-mm filmthat has been exposed using a 35-mm photographic camera according to anembodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view of another 35-mmfilm that has been exposed using an embodiment of the 35-mm photographiccamera of the present invention;

[0029]FIGS. 3A and 3B, are elevational views of 35-mm film cartridgesthat can be used in one embodiment of the 35-mm photographic camera ofthe present invention;

[0030]FIGS. 4A and 4B are elevational views of 35-mm film cartridgesthat can be used in another embodiment of the 35-mm photographic cameraof the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the 35-mm photographic cameraof one embodiment of the present invention with a rear lid removed;

[0032]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an inner surface of a rear lid ofthe 35-mm photographic camera of FIG. 5;

[0033]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG.5;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system for one embodimentof the 35-mm photographic camera according to the present inventionusing the film of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

[0035]FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the 35-mm photographic cameraof another embodiment of the present invention with the rear lidremoved;

[0036]FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the camerashown in FIG. 7;

[0037]FIGS. 11A through 11E are fragmentary front elevational viewsshowing the positional relationships of frames exposed on a 35-mm filmusing the embodiment of the 35-mm photographic camera according to thepresent invention;

[0038]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system for the otherembodiment of the 35-mm photographic camera according to the presentinvention using the film of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

[0039]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of an automatic printer forprinting on photosensitive paper a processed 35-mm film that was exposedusing the embodiment of the 35-mm photographic camera according to thepresent invention;

[0040]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control system used in theembodiment of the automatic printer shown in FIG. 13;

[0041]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a control system for anotherembodiment of the printer according to the present invention;

[0042]FIGS. 16A and 16B are fragmentary front elevational views showingthe relationship between a 35-mm film and sensors in the automaticprinter shown in FIG. 13;

[0043]FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an operating method that is performed bya microprocessor of the control system shown in FIG. 14;

[0044]FIGS. 18A and 18B are representative of the relative sizes ofnegative-carrier variable slits in the automatic printer;

[0045]FIGS. 19A and 19B are representations showing the relative sizesof variable paper masks in the automatic printer;

[0046]FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of a 35-mm photographic camerawith a rear lid removed, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0047]FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of a 35-mm photographic camerawith a rear lid removed, according to still another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0048]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a photographic image system thatcan transfer a frame on a photographic film to a video signal accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 23 is an elevational representation showing the film pathlooking into the lower body of the photographic and video system shownin FIG. 22;

[0050]FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of the overall system of thephotographic and video system shown in FIG. 22;

[0051]FIG. 25 is a plan view of the image transform area of a chargecoupled device images used in the photographic and video system of FIG.22;

[0052]FIG. 26 is a plan view of the image transfer area on a largerscale;

[0053]FIG. 27 is a pictorial representation of a video monitor connectedto the photographic and video system of FIG. 22;

[0054]FIG. 28 is a representation of video screens showing the graphicalmenu used with the system of FIG. 22 to select a photographic printsize;

[0055]FIG. 29A is a schematic in block diagram form of an image processcircuit, and FIG. 29B is a schematic in block diagram form showing theimage process output circuit of FIG. 29A in more detail;

[0056]FIGS. 30A through 30D represent photographic superimpositions thatare possible according to this embodiment of the present invention;

[0057]FIGS. 31A and 31B are pictorial representations of anotherembodiment of the present invention using a line scanner and sensorsystem; and

[0058]FIG. 32 is a schematic in block diagram form of electronic shuttercircuit used in the system of FIGS. 31A and 31B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] A 35-mm photographic film 1 that can be used in a 35-mmphotographic camera according to the present invention is described withreference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, in which FIGS. 1 and 2 show 35-mmphotographic film 1 after it has been exposed, and FIGS. 3A and 3B show35-mm photographic film 1 before being exposed.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the 35-mm photographic film 1 isstored in a film cartridge 16 and has an end extending out of the filmcartridge 16. Images that are photographed on the 35-mm photographicfilm 1 are turned upside down by the lenses, so that the upper end of animage is positioned on a lower portion of the photographic film 1. FIG.3B shows by way of example a photographed image of a subject in brokenlines, which appears to be turned upside down on the photographic film1.

[0061] Each of the photographic films 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3Bhas a series of film position detecting holes 19 defined along anunexposed marginal edge area thereof, which has a width of about 2.5 mm.This unexposed marginal area is used to control the film, tomagnetically or optically read or write data, and when taking a picture.The film position detecting holes 19 have a diameter of about 1 mm andare spaced at a constant, predetermined pitch. The pitch of the filmposition detecting holes 19 in the photographic film 1 shown in FIG. 1is 5.25 mm, for example, and the pitch of the film position detectingholes 19 in the photographic film 1 shown in FIG. 2 is 6.28 mm.

[0062] The film position detecting holes 19 can be replaced by magneticmarks 19′ spaced at a predetermined constant pitch and made by asuitable magnetic head on a magnetic edge portion 19″ formed on theunexposed film. The magnetic marks 19′ are shown as broken lines on themagnetic strip 19″ in FIGS. 4A and 4B, because they are not actuallyvisable. Alternatively, the marks 19′ could be formed as small dots ofmagnetic material, such as iron oxide or a transparent magneticmaterial, deposited on the unexposed film and detected by the magnetichead. The other side of the marginal area that is defined by holes 19 ormagnetic marks 19′, 19 n, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, can be used for anorder information area as described below. This order information areais recorded by the photographic image system and used in thephotographic and video printing system.

[0063] Distances by which the different photographic films 1 with thefilm position detecting holes 19 or magnetic marks 19′ spaced at thepitches of 5.25 mm and 6.28 mm are advanced to feed frames of differentframe sizes are given in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Frame sizes (Width ×length) Pitch − 6.28 mm Pitch = 5.25 mm NTSC-matched frame 43.96 = 6.28× 7 42.0 = 5.25 × 8 size (30 mm × 40 pitches pitches mm), full sizeHDTV-matched frame 56.52 = 6.28 × 9 57.75 = 5.25 × 11 size (30 mm × 53.3pitches pitches mm), full size HDTV-matched frame 18.84 = 6.28 × 3 21.0= 5.25 × 4 size (30 mm × 16.9 pitches pitches mm), half sizeNTSC-matched frame 25.12 = 6.28 × 4 26.25 − 5.25 × 5 size (30 mm × 22.5pitches pitches mm), half size

[0064] The photographic film 1 shown in FIG. 3A has film positiondetecting holes 19 that will be positioned along an upper marginal edgearea after the photographic film is exposed, however, no tongue isprovided at the leading end, so that no tongue-removing process willsubsequently be required. Because no tongue-removing process will berequired, the subsequent processing of the photographic film 1 is lesscostly. This applies to the film shown in FIG. 4A as well.

[0065] The photographic film 1 shown in FIG. 3B also has film positiondetecting holes 19 that will be positioned in an upper marginal edgearea thereof after the photographic film is exposed, and has a tongue atits leading end on its lower portion. The tongue at the leading end ofthe photographic film 1 is vertically opposite in position to the tongueof an ordinary 35-mm photographic film that is now generallycommercially available. If a photocoupler is used in a photographiccamera for detecting the film position detecting holes 19, then when thephotographic film 1 is loaded into the photographic camera, the marginaledge with the film position detecting holes 19 is not required to bemanually inserted into the photocoupler, but is automatically insertedinto the photocoupler when the photographic film 1 is wound by a filmtransport mechanism in the photographic camera. This also applies to thefilm shown in FIG. 4B.

[0066] An embodiment of a photographic camera that can use thephotographic films 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B is shown anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 through 8 and 10. FIG. 5 is a rearelevation of the photographic camera with the rear lid or cover removed.The lid is shown in FIG. 6. The photographic camera has a dark box 4including a cartridge housing 17 for housing the film cartridge 16,which is of a known structure, an exposure opening 7 near the cartridgehousing 17 and through which the photographic film 1 can be exposed tolight passing through a camera lens, aperture, and shutter not shown inFIG. 5, and a film housing 18 for housing the photographic film 1 afterit has been exposed.

[0067] The photographic film 1 that is unwound from the film cartridge16 housed in the cartridge housing 17 is fed over the exposure opening 7while being transversely limited in motion by upper and lower respectivepairs of film guides 30, 31, and is then moved into the film housing 18after being exposed.

[0068] The film housing 18 has a guide roller 32 for automaticallysetting or loading the photographic film 1, and a film take-up spool 9rotatable by a motor, shown at 10 in FIG. 8, for winding the exposedphotographic-film 1 thereon.

[0069] The photographic camera has a light-emitting diode (LED) 5 apositioned between the lower film guides 30, 31 for detecting the filmposition detecting holes 19, and a photodetector, shown in FIG. 6 at 5b, disposed on a pressure plate of the rear lid and positioned inregistry with the LED 5 a across the photographic film 1. Thephotodetector 5 b has a diameter of 1.5 mm, for example.

[0070] The LED 5 a emits infrared radiation having a wavelength of 940nm, which is different from those radiation wavelengths to which thephotographic film 1 is sensitive. Referring to FIG. 8, the LED 5 a andthe photodetector 5 b jointly make up a hole sensor 5 that applies anoutput signal to a counter in a system controller 8 that comprises amicrocomputer. In this way, the system controller 8 can recognize theposition of the photographic film 1 over the exposure opening 7. The LED5 a and the photodetector 5 b may be alternatively replaced with aphotocoupler that also comprises an LED and a photodetector but whichare positioned in confronting relationship, as described hereinbelow.

[0071] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9 the LED 5 a can be replaced bya magnetic head 5 c that operates to sense the magnetic marks 19′, shownin FIGS. 4A and 4B, that are on the marginal edge area 19″ of theunexposed film.

[0072] In FIG. 5 the exposure area opening 7 has its size defined byleft and right movable masks 15 that are laterally movable over thewidth of the exposure opening 7 from opposite sides thereof. The size ofthe exposure opening 7 in the longitudinal direction of the photographicfilm 1 can selectively be changed to four different dimensions of 53.33mm, 40.00 mm, 22.5 mm, and 16.90 mm as indicated by the four pairs ofbroken lines in FIG. 5.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the left and right movable masks 15are retractable into left and right side walls, respectively, that arepositioned on opposite sides of the exposure opening 7 and extendsubstantially perpendicularly to the photographic film 1 as it extendsover the exposure opening 7. As shown in FIG. 8, two linear toothed bars33 are attached to the respective lower edges of the movable masks 15and held in mesh with respective drive feed gears 34 of a gearbox 35,much like a rack and pinion assembly. When the gears 34 of the gearbox35 are driven to rotate the linear toothed bars 33, and hence themovable masks 15, are linearly moved over the exposure opening 7.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the photographic camera has a framesize setting switch 6 which can manually be turned by the user of thecamera to produce a command signal indicative of a selected frame sizewhich is one of the frame sizes described above in Table 1. When theuser selects a frame size with the frame size setting switch 6, theframe size setting switch 6 applies a command signal to the systemcontroller 8, which then supplies a control signal to achieve thedesired frame size through a stepping motor driving circuit 13 to astepping motor 14. The stepping motor 14 is energized to rotate the feedgears 34 to move the movable masks 15. At the same time that the movablemasks 15 move, the hole sensor 5 produces and supplies a detected filmposition signal to the system controller 8, which processes the suppliedfilm position signal to generate a control signal. The system controller8 then supplies the control signal through an amplifier 36 to a motor10, which rotates the film spool 9 to take-up the photographic film 1over a predetermined length.

[0075] At this time, the length over which the photographic film 1 isdriven corresponds to the distance that is determined by the frame sizesetting switch 6. The feeding of the photographic film 1 is describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 11A through 11E, which show examples inwhich the hole pitch is 6.28 mm and the photographic film 1 is to beexposed in an HDTV-matched full-frame size of 30 mm×53.3 mm and anNTSC-matched full-frame size of 30 mm×40 mm.

[0076]FIG. 11A shows a portion of the photographic film 1 as it isexposed in successive NTSC-matched full frames. When the photographicfilm 1 is fed for seven pitches of the holes 19, a frame area of 30mm×40 mm is made available for exposure through the exposure opening 7.To switch from an NTSC-matched full-frame size to an HDTV-matchedfull-frame size, the photographic film 1 is fed for eight pitches of theholes. 19, as shown in FIG. 11B, to make a frame area of 30 mm×53.3 mmavailable for exposure through the exposure opening 7. To expose thephotographic film 1 in successive HDTV-matched full frames, thephotographic film 1 is fed for nine pitches of the holes 19, as shown inFIG. 11C, to make a frame area of 30 mm×53.3 mm available for exposurethrough the exposure opening 7. To switch from an HDTV-matchedfull-frame size to an NTSC-matched full-frame size, the photographicfilm 1 is fed for eight pitches of the holes 19, as shown in FIG. 11D,to make a frame area of 30 mm×40 mm available for exposure through theexposure opening 7.

[0077] To change frame sizes, the system controller 8 controls the motor10 as follows: When switching from an NTSC-matched full-frame size to anHDTV-matched full-frame size, the photographic film 1 is first drivenfor seven pitches of the holes 19 and is then driven for one additionalhole pitch. When switching from an HDTV-matched full-frame size to anNTSC-matched full-frame size, the photographic film 1 is first drivenforward for nine pitches of the holes 19 and is then driven backward forone pitch.

[0078] When changing frame sizes, the photographic film 1 may be drivenfor a different distance or a different number of pitches, such as tenpitches of the holes 19, as shown in FIG. 1E. In this manner, thephotographic film 1 may be easily exposed in many different frame sizes.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 11A through 1E, the system controller of thephotographic camera controls the feeding of the photographic film 1 suchthat the photographic film 1 will not be exposed in overlapping frames,even when different frame sizes are exposed.

[0080] The procedure described in relation to FIGS. 11A-11E appliesequally to the magnetic marks 19′ present on the film shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B.

[0081]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the photographic film 1 whose effectiveexposure areas have been exposed in frames 3 of different sizes. In FIG.1, the photographic film 1 has been exposed in an HDTV-matchedfull-frame size, having a width of 30 mm, a length of 53.3 mm, andaspect ratio of 9:16, and in an NTSC-matched full-frame size, having awidth of 30 mm, a length of 40 mm) whose aspect ratio is 3:4. The holes19 defined along the upper marginal edge of the photographic film 1 havea pitch of 5.25 mm.

[0082] In FIG. 2, the photographic film 1 has also been exposed in anHDTV-matched full-frame size and an NTSC-matched full-frame size,however, unlike FIG. 1, the holes 19 defined in the upper marginal edgeof the photographic film 1 have a pitch of 6.28 mm. In FIG. 2, one frameof an HDTV-matched full-frame size corresponds to nine pitches of theholes 19, and one frame of an NTSC-matched full-frame size correspondsto seven pitches of the holes 19. Since these pitches are odd-numbered,a hole 19 may be-positioned in alignment with the center of the frame,so that the center of the frame can easily be detected.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the photographic camera has a shutterrelease button 37. When the shutter release button 37 is depressed, thesystem controller 8 controls the size of the exposure area and suppliesa control signal to a mark recording circuit 38 for recording a centralmark, a so-called effective exposure area position signal, indicative ofthe center of the frame 3 and also supplies a control signal to a framenumber recording circuit 39 for recording a frame number. The markrecording circuit 38 energizes an LED 40 positioned at the lowerfilm-guide pair 30, 31 for recording a central mark 40 a, shown in FIGS.1 and 2, representing the center of the exposed frame 3. The framenumber recording circuit 39 energizes an LED 41 positioned at the lowerfilm guide pair 30, 31 for recording a frame number 41 a, shown in FIGS.1 and 2, representing the frame number of the exposed frame 3. The framenumber 41 a can be recorded such that it agrees with an actual framenumber.

[0084] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12 in place of LED 40 amagnetic-head 40′ can be employed to record the center mark on themarginal area 19″ on the unexposed film. Similarly, the frame number canbe recorded using another magnetic head 41′.

[0085] The system controller 8 also supplies a control signal to a framesize recording circuit 11 for recording a frame size signal, a so-calledeffective exposure area width signal, indicative of the frame size ofthe exposed frame 3. The frame size recording circuit 11 energizes anLED 12 positioned at the lower film guide pair 30, 31 for recording aframe size signal 12 a, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0086] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, in place of LED 12 a magnetichead 12′ can be employed to record the frame size signal on the marginalarea 19″ on the unexposed film.

[0087] The magnetic head 5 c that senses the magnetic marks 19′ on thefilm shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is connected to the system controller 8through a buffer amplifier 5 d or a similar playback amplifier.

[0088] The LED 12 may be composed of four LED elements which areselectively energized to record one of the frame size signals 12 a,which represent the frame size set by the frame size setting switch 6.The various frame size signals 12 a are shown by way of example in Table2 below. TABLE 2 Frame Size Frame size signal 12a HDTV-matchedfull-frame size |||| NTSC-matched full-frame size ||| NTSC-matchedhalf-frame size || HDTV-matched half-frame size |

[0089] The central mark 40 a and the frame size signal 12 a supplyinformation regarding the frame position and the frame size to anautomatic printer, described hereinbelow, for controlling the automaticprinter when the exposed and processed film is printed.

[0090] While frame sizes can be recognized by measuring the distancesbetween adjacent central marks 40 a when the exposed film is printed,the processing speed of the automatic printer can be increased by usingthe frame size signal 12 a.

[0091] At the same time that the photographic film 1 is exposed, thesystem controller 8 supplies an information signal to an informationrecording circuit 42 for recording desired information. The informationrecording circuit 42 energizes an LED 43 positioned at the upper filmguide pair 30, 31 for recording such information 43 a on the lowermarginal edge, shown in see FIGS. 1 and 2, of the photographic film 1.The information 43 a may be, information that is supplied from thecamera lens and the camera itself upon exposure or could consist of theexposure date, the person who took the picture, an exposure condition,or other information that the user has entered through an input device44, such as a keypad, on the outer surface of the rear lid of the camerabody 10. The amount of information 43 a, that is, the number ofcharacters that can be recorded, is dependent upon the frame size, andis displayed on a display panel 44 a of the input device 44. The LED 43has a number of LED elements that are selectively energized depending onthe frame size.

[0092] An analysis has been made to determine the optimum position wherethe information 43 a should be recorded and the optimum position wherethe holes 19 or magnetic marks 19″ are defined from the standpoints ofthe user's convenience and a psychological effect that those positionshave on the user. The results of the analysis are as follows:

[0093] (1) If marginal edges outside of the effective exposure area ofthe film are available as a band for recording user's information, thenthe information should more preferably be positioned on the lowermarginal edge of the print paper, rather than on the upper marginaledge.

[0094] (2) Study of the developing and printing processes in processinglaboratories indicates that in many cases information about the filmitself is printed in many cases on film negatives, such that the filminformation will be positioned on the upper marginal edge of the printpaper. It is preferable not to mix the film information and the band forrecording user's information.

[0095] From the above results, it is preferable to position the filmposition detecting holes 19 upwardly of the effective exposure area ofthe film when it is exposed.

[0096] As described above with reference to FIGS. 5 through 8, thephotographic camera according to the present invention has a detectingmeans 5 a, 5 b for detecting the feeding of the photographic film 1, afilm control system 8, 9, 10 for controlling the distance by which thephotographic film 1 moves and for driving the photographic film 1 for alength corresponding to the width of the selected exposure opening 7,based on a detected signal from the detecting means 5 a, 5 b, and forcontrolling a signal recording device 8, 11, 12, 38, 40 disposed nearthe exposure opening 7 for recording a signal indicative of the positionof the exposure opening 7 on the photographic film 1 when thephotographic film 1 is exposed through the exposure opening 7.

[0097] After the photographic film 1 is exposed using the photographiccamera, the processed photographic film 1 bears control signals that arerecorded in a signal recording area 21, shown in see FIG. 1, thereof andthat will be used when the photographic film 1 is printed. Therefore,even if the developed photographic film 1 contains frames of differentframe sizes, it can be automatically printed by an automatic printerwithout requiring individual adjustment.

[0098] The photographic camera according to the present invention alsohas a film control system 8, 9, 10 for controlling the feeding ordriving of the photographic film 1, and an opening control system 8, 13,14, 15 for varying the width of the exposure opening 7 along thephotographic film 1. At least when the width of the exposure opening 7changes from a smaller dimension to a larger dimension, the film controlsystem 8, 9, 10 drives the photographic film 1 for a lengthcorresponding to the selected width of the exposure opening 7.

[0099] Therefore, the width of the exposure opening 7 is variable, andthe take-up or driving of the photographic film 1 is controlleddepending on the width of the exposure opening 7. The photographiccamera can expose the photographic film 1 successively in desired framesizes which may differ one from another without adjacent framesoverlapping each other.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic film 1 used in thephotographic camera according to the present invention has a signalrecording area 21 located between an effective exposure area 20 and amarginal edge thereof for magnetically or optically recording controlsignals, which will be used when the photographic film 1 is processedand printed. The film 1 has holes 19 or magnetic marks 19′ defined in anupper marginal edge area thereof between the effective exposure area 20and the marginal edge for detecting the distance by which thephotographic film 1 has been moved.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13, an automatic printer for automaticallyprinting processed photographic film 1 that has been exposed using acamera as described above has a printer body that supports a papersupply reel 45 for supplying the sensitized print paper 46, a paper deckor platen 47 for supporting the print paper 46 supplied from the papersupply reel 45, a variable paper mask 48 for determining the size of aprint paper segment on which an image is to be printed, a paper holderplate 49 for holding the print paper 46 down against the paper deck 47,a paper feed or drive roller 50 for driving the print paper 46, and apaper takeup reel 51 for winding the exposed print paper 46.

[0102] The printer body of the automatic printer also supports a filmsupply reel 52 for supplying the processed photographic film 1, a filmdeck or platen 53 for supporting the photographic film 1 supplied fromthe film supply reel 52, a negative-carrier variable slit 54, a negativeholder plate 55 for positioning the negative down against the film deck53, a film feed or drive roller 56 for driving the photographic film 1,a film takeup reel 57 for winding the exposed and processed photographicfilm 1, a lens 58 positioned above the negative holder plate 55, abellows 59 supporting the lens 58 and positioned below the paper deck47, a lamp 60 disposed below the film deck 53, a black shutter 61positioned above the lamp 60, a filter assembly 62 composed of yellow,magenta, and cyan (Y, M, C) filters, and a diffusion box 63 disposedbetween the filter assembly 62 and the film deck 53.

[0103] The negative holder plate 55 supports a frame size sensor S1 fordetecting the frame size signal 12 a recorded on the photographic film1, a frame center sensor S2 for detecting the central mark 40 a recordedon the photographic film 1 that indicates the center of a frame, and anorder sensor S3 for magnetically detecting order information about aprint size and number of prints being ordered. This order information isrecorded in the other marginal area opposite the one defined by theholes 19 or magnetic marks 19′, 19″, as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0104] Upon detection of the central mark 40 a of the frame 3 with theframe center sensor S2, the film drive roller 56 is controlled to drivethe film to align the frame center with the center of thenegative-carrier variable slit 54. The variable paper mask 48 and thenegative-carrier variable slit 54 are controlled based on the frame sizesignal 12 a that is detected by the frame size sensor S1.

[0105] If the frame size is an HDTV-matched frame size, for example, thenegative-carrier variable slit 54 is set to dimensions as shown in FIG.18A, and the variable paper mask 48 is set to dimensions as shown inFIG. 19A. If the frame size is an NTSC-matched frame size, for example,the negative-carrier variable slit 54 is set to dimensions as shown inFIG. 18B, and the variable paper mask 48 is set to dimensions as shownin FIG. 19B.

[0106] A control system for the automatic printer is shown in FIG. 14,in which the frame size sensor S1 and the frame center sensor S2comprise photocouplers, respectively, for detecting the frame sizesignal 12 a and the central mark 40 a, respectively, that are recordedin the marginal edge area of the photographic film 1.

[0107] On the other hand, the optical sensors S1 and S2 may be comprisedof respective magnetic heads S1′ and S2′, as shown in FIG. 15, that readthe frame size signal and the frame center signal that are magneticallyrecorded on the marginal area 19″ of the unexposed film.

[0108] The frame center is determined based on the central mark 40 adetected by the frame center sensor S2, and the frame size of the frame3 whose frame center is determined by a microprocessor 64 of the controlsystem based on the frame size signal 12 a that is read by the framesize sensor S1 before the central mark 40 a is detected by the framecenter sensor S2′. Then, the microprocessor 64 controls a mask sizedrive motor M3 to actuate the variable paper mask 48 to conform with thedetermined frame size. At the same time, the microprocessor 64 controlsa negative-carrier variable slit drive motor M2 to actuate thenegative-carrier variable slit 54.

[0109] Based on the frame size signal 12A read by the frame size sensorS1, the microprocessor 64 controls a film feed motor M1 to rotate thefilm feel roller 56 for feeding the photographic film 1 for apredetermined length. At the same time, the microprocessor 64 controls apaper feed motor M4 to rotate the paper feed roller 50 for therebyfeeding the print paper 46 for a predetermined length. Based on theprint size and print quantity information being read by the order sensorS3, the microprocessor 64 controls the number of prints and changes thesize of the image on the sensitized print paper. This paper changesystem may be comprised of a paper feed mechanism and an opticalselecting instrument, which are not shown. In such a system the opticalselecting instrument selects a corresponding paper feed mechanismoperation in response to the print size signal.

[0110]FIGS. 16A and 16B show the relationship between the photographicfilm 1, the frame center sensor S2, and the frame size sensor S1 in theautomatic printer. When the photographic film 1 is driven in thedirection indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 16A, a frame size indicator12 a is detected by the frame size sensor S1 before its frame 3 ispositioned and the sensor S1 output signal is used for controlling thedriving of the photographic film 1, the negative-carrier variable slit54, and the variable paper mask 48. The frame size signal from sensor S1is processed by the microprocessor 64, which determines the frame sizewhen the frame center of the frame 3 is determined by the frame centersensor S2.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 161B, the central mark 40A indicativeof a frame center is recorded at each frame on the photographic film 1.At each frame, the frame size indicator 12 a is recorded ahead of thecentral mark 40 a, and the frame number 41 a is recorded behind thecentral mark 40 a with respect to the direction in which thephotographic film 1 is driven.

[0112] While the frame center sensor S2 and the frame size sensor S1 areshown as being located in substantially the same position, only theframe center sensor S2 should be positioned in alignment with the centerof the negative-carrier variable slit 54 and the variable paper mask 48,and the frame size sensor S1 may be positioned on the film deck 53 atthe entrance end thereof. This applies to the magnetic head sensors S1′and S2′ as well.

[0113]FIG. 17 shows a control sequence of the micro-processor 64 forcontrolling the driving of the developed photographic film or negative 1and the driving of the print paper 46. The negative-carrier variableslit 54 and the variable paper mask 48 are also controlled in thiscontrol sequence. The photographic film 1 is continuously driven andtaken up until the central mark 40 a is detected by the frame centersensor S2, and then the photographic film 1 is stopped when the centralmark 40 a is detected by the frame center sensor S2. Until thephotographic film 1 is stopped, the frame size indicator 12 a isdetected by the frame size sensor S1 and its number is counted.

[0114] If the frame size indicator 12 a represents “3”, the width of thenegative-carrier variable slit 54 is set to 38 mm, and the width of thevariable paper mask 48 is set to 119 mm. Thereafter, the print paper 46is moved, and the photographic film 1 is printed, after which thecontrol sequence is ended. The print paper 46 is moved for a distancecorresponding to printed frame sizes, a blank surrounding the printedframes, and a cutting blank between the printed frames. Usually, a holeis defined in the cutting blank when the photographic film 1 is printed,and serves as a positional signal for automatically cutting the printpaper.

[0115] If the frame size indicator 12 a represents “4”, the width of thenegative-carrier variable slit 54 is set to 51 mm, and the width of thevariable paper mask 48 is set to 158 mm. Thereafter, the print paper 46is moved and the photographic film 1 is printed, after which the controlsequence is ended.

[0116] If the frame size indicator 12 a represents “1” or “2”, thewidths of the negative-carrier variable slit 54 and the variable papermask 48 are set similarly. Thereafter, the print paper 46 is moved, andthe photo-graphic film 1 is printed, after which the control sequence isended.

[0117] Since the frame-size indicator 12 a is recorded in the uppermarginal edge portion of the photographic film 1, it may possibly berecognized in error as the central mark 40 a. To avoid such an error, anegative feed sensor S3, shown in FIG. 14, for detecting the distance bywhich the photographic film 1 is fed is associated with the film feedmotor M1, and the distance by which the photographic film 1 is fed ismeasured by a counter 65 whose count is fed back to the microprocessor64. Since the width of the frame size indicator 12 a on the photographicfilm 1 can be detected by the distance by which the photographic film 1is driven, the frame size indicator 12 a can be distinguished from thecentral mark 40 a or the frame number 41 a.

[0118] As described above with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 16A-16B,the automatic printer according to the present invention has a filmdrive control device 65, 64, M1 for detecting an effective exposure areaposition indicator 40 a recorded in a marginal edge area between theeffective exposure area 20 on the photographic film 1 and the marginaledge thereof to control the driving of the photographic film 1, and aprinting opening width control device 54, 64, M2 for detecting aneffective exposure area width indicator 12 a recorded in the marginaledge area to control the width of the printing opening along thephotographic film 1.

[0119] The photographic film 1 has an effective exposure area positionindicator 40 a and an effective exposure area width indicator 12 a whichare recorded in a marginal edge area between the effective exposure area20 on the photographic film 1 and the marginal edge thereof. After theeffective exposure area width indicator 12 a has been detected, theeffective exposure area position indicator 40 a is detected. The widthof the film exposure opening along the photographic film 1, the width ofthe print paper exposure opening, and the distance by which the printpaper 46 is driven are controlled based on the detected effectiveexposure area width indicator 12 a, and the distance by which thephotographic film 1 is fed is controlled based on the detected effectiveexposure area position indicator 40 a.

[0120] Therefore, since the distance by which the photographic film 1 isdriven is controlled based on the effective exposure area positionindicator 40 a recorded in the marginal edge area of the photographicfilm 1 and the width of the printing opening, the width of the printpaper exposure opening and the distance over which the print paper 46 isdriven are controlled based on the effective exposure area widthindicator 12 a recorded in the marginal edge area of the photographicfilm 1, the photographic film 1 can automatically be printed even if ithas a succession of frames of different sizes.

[0121] In the illustrated photographic camera, the LED 5 a and thephotodetector 5 b are disposed in confronting relationship to each otherfor detecting the film position detecting holes 19, however, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, a photocoupler 66, which is an integral combination ofan LED and a photodetector for detecting a film position, may bedisposed on a film guide 30. The photocoupler 66 may be positionedanywhere on the film guide 30. The photocoupler 66 may have LEDs 41, 40,as, shown in FIG. 5, for recording the frame number 41 a and the centralmark 40 a at the same time that the frame is exposed.

[0122] While the hole sensor 5 comprises an LED and a photodetector inthe illustrated photographic camera, the hole sensor 5 may comprise twopairs of an LED and a photodetector given the different distances bywhich frames of different sizes are fed.

[0123] In the illustrated automatic printer, the same photographic filmcontain frames of different sizes, however, the present invention isalso applicable to an automatic printer for automatically printing aspliced length of photographic films with different frame sizes.

[0124] An embodiment of a photographic image system 70 that cantransform an image in a frame on the photographic film 1 to a videosignal is shown and described in regard to FIGS. 22 through 30. Thisembodiment uses a printing order system which permits communicationbetween the camera user and the processing laboratories.

[0125]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the photographic image system 70having an upper body 71 and a lower body 72. The upper body 71 has aprint select panel 85 on a front surface that is described below, aswell as a power display panel 84, and includes an optical instrument, acharge coupled device, and the necessary drive circuits.

[0126] The lower body 72 has a display adjusting panel 73, a filmcartridge housing 79 and a window 81, and includes a lamp 89 and a filmfeed mechanism 88, as shown in FIG. 23. The display adjusting panel 73has a color adjusting switch 74, a zoom control switch 75, a focuscontrol switch 76, an iris control switch 77, and a main power indicatorlamp 78. These switches 74 through 77 are manually used for adjustingthe quality of the display image. The main power switch 80 is on theback right side of the lower body 72.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 23, a processed film cartridge 86 isaccommodated in the film cartridge housing 79, and a processed film 1 isdrawn out from the cartridge 86 and is guided by a film guide 92. Theprocessed photographic film 1 is fed from the film cartridge housing 79to a film housing 87 by the film feed mechanism 88. This film feedmechanism 88 includes driven roller pairs and idler roller pairs as wellas a take-up reel mechanism and automatically feeds a film by detectinga frame position signal recorded on the film or by detecting holesplaced in the film, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The processedphotographic film is illuminated by the lamp 89 through the diffusefilter 90. The film feed mechanism 88 is driven by a motor 93 that iscontrolled by a film driving circuit 94 and a system controller 95,shown in FIG. 24. This system controller 95 controls the film feedingand film image transformation for transforming an image of the processedphotographic film to a video signal. The system controller 95 detectsthe frame size signals 12 a and frame center marks 40 a using detectors155, 156 and a hole/center mark detecting circuit 115. The frame centermarks 40 a may replace a hole 19 formed in a marginal edge of thephotographic film.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 24, an image of the processed photographic filmis projected on a charge coupled device 96 through an objective lens 97,a zoom lens 98, a focus lens 99, and a diaphragm 100. These lenses andthe diaphragm are driven by a zoom motor 101, a focus motor 102, and adiaphragm or iris motor 103, respectively. These motors are respectivelycontrolled by a zoom motor circuit 104, a focus motor circuit 105, aniris motor circuit 106, and the system controller 95. The systemcontroller 95 controls the diaphragm 100 in response to themagnification selected for the zoom lens 98.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 25, the image of the processed photographic filmis projected on an image transform area 107 of the charge coupled device96. The actual extent of this area is selected by the system controller95 in response to a frame size signal 12 a detected by the detector 94and frame size signal detecting circuits 155, 156. Area sizes C throughF correspond respectively to NTSC-matched frame size (half size),HDTV-matched frame size (half size), NTSC-matched frame size (fullsize), and HDTV-matched frame size (full size), and area sizes A and Bmay be selected by a full or panorama size signal in response to a userrequest or the frame size signal 12 a recorded by a photographic camera.

[0130] Another embodiment of the image area selecting system isillustrated in FIG. 26. The zoom lens 98 enlarges a NTSC-matched frame108 size (full size) on the HDTV size area of the CCD image transformarea 107. The enlarged NTSC-matched frame loses a part of the image butall pixels of the CCD image transform area 107 are effectively used. Aportion 107A of the CCD image transform area is used to transforminformation, such as the user entered information 43 a, in the marginalarea of the photographic film to a video signal as shown in FIGS. 28 and30A.

[0131] The system controller 95 controls an image signal process circuit110 in response to an image signal detected by the charge coupled device96 and in response to a frame size signal 12 a. The image signal processcircuit 110 generates an HDTV video signal or an NTSC video signal andother signals as well. These signal outputs are fed to a monitor ortelevision 170, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0132] The photographic image system 70 is controlled by a remotecontroller 116. This remote controller 116 controls feeding of the film,the display size, and the printing order. The system controller 95controls the image signal process circuit 110 to mix or insert agraphical order menu 171 onto the image obtained from the processedphotographic film. This printing order is recorded on a magnetic area ofthe processed film by a magnetic head 112 and a signal detect/recordingcircuit 113, as shown in FIG. 24.

[0133] The print select panel 85 has an automatic mode select switch117, and when this select switch is turned off, the user can manuallycontrol the operations by using switches 118 through 121. These switches118-121 can manually control the zoom motor driving circuit 104, thefocus motor driving circuit 105, and the iris motor driving circuit 106,respectively. A switch 122 selects a transform of the image signalprocess circuit which transforms a positive or negative image of theprocessed photographic film to a black-white or color video signal. Aswitch 123 selects an order menu or an ordinary display. A switch 128selects the size of the photographic print that will be produced. Suchsizes can be a service size, a cabinet size, a quarter size or someother size. A display 127 displays the selected size of the print paper,and a display 129 displays the number of the frame. In an order menusituation the displays 126, 124 and 127 display the size or aspect ofthe frame, the number of prints ordered, and the print size of thepaper, respectively.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 28, the graphical menu 171 permits the order tobe changed by the user. A first step A is an ordinary mode, whichdisplays a film size 172 and the frame number 173 of the photographicfilm. A second step B is an order confirmation menu 174. A third step Cis an order menu that displays a print size 175, number of prints 176,and a final confirmation of the order 177. This menu 171 is alsocontrolled by the remote controller 116.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 24, the remote controller 116 has an orderbutton 130 that selects an order situation menu, which is the secondstep B in FIG. 28. If a yes menu is selected by a yes button or a cursorswitch 132 of the remote controller 116 in the second step B, the menuprocess jumps to the third step C. The cursor is then used to select theprint size, the number of prints, and a final confirmation of the order.

[0136] The image signal process circuit 110 includes a digitalconverstion circuit and an image process circuit and output circuit, asshown in FIG. 29A. The conversion circuit has an analog to digitalconverter 139 for converting a CCD output signal, as shown in FIG., 24,or the output a line sensor of a flat-bed type scanner, as shown inFIGS. 31a and 31 b, into a digital signal. Output data of this analog todigital converter 139 are RGB digital data.

[0137] This RGB data is corrected and converted by a brightnesscorrection and color converting circuit 140. This circuit usescorrection data and color converting data from a memory 141. Thecorrection data is used to correct any transform deviations betweenvarious RGB detectors. The color converting data are for transformingfrom RGB data to CMK data, which is data for transforming betweenpositive-film and negative film and data for selecting a color image orblack/white image. The transformation between positive-film and negativefilm and a selection of a color image or a black/white image areselected by the switch 122 shown in FIG. 24; and the select data aresent through a data bus 138 from the system controller 95 to the imagesignal process circuit 110. The data bus sends control data for thebrightness correct and color converting circuit 140 and for a film-typecorrection circuit 142. The transformed data from the brightness correctand color converting circuit 140 is fed to the next correction circuit142.

[0138] This correction circuit 142 corrects a film sensitivity deviationfor each film type by using sensitivity correcting data from a memory143 and is controlled by the system controller 95. The system controller95 detects the film type using the detector 160 disposed at theprocessed film cartridge housing 79. This film type detector 160 shownin FIG. 23 and a film type detecting circuit 161 shown in FIG. 24 detectthe film type data that is magnetically or optically recorded on thefilm cartridge and send a film type data signal to the system controller95. This detector 160 could also detect magnetic or optical data on thefilm, in which case it would be disposed on the film guide 92.

[0139] The CMK data for correcting the film sensitivity deviation arefed to an image process and output circuit 144. On the one hand thiscircuit 144 corrects a CRT deviation and adjusts a CRT display size and,on the other hand, the circuit 144 converts the CMK data to RGB data orto a composite video signal for a CRT display and superimposes thecontrol data from the system controller 95 on the RGB data or thecomposite video signal. This circuit 144 also adjusts an image size ofthe CMK data corresponding to the frame size signal 12 a and outputssignals to a computer system or a disc drive control circuit.

[0140] As shown FIG. 29B, this image process and output circuit 144comprises two operational circuits. A first operational circuit outputsbit-map type data to the outer computer and comprises a transfer circuit160, a data hold/process circuit 161, and a computer output circuit 162.This bit-map type data may be replaced by GIF type data, TIFF type data,or some other type data.

[0141] The transfer circuit 160 receives the CMK data for correcting thefilm sensitivity deviation and transfers the data to the hold/processcircuit 161 and to a CRT deviation correct circuit 163. The data/holdprocess circuit 161 receives the CMK data and transforms the data type,the data size, and a display size. The data type is selected from thebit-map type, the GIF type data, the TIFF type data, JPEG type data, orsome other type data by the image controller/superimpose circuit 166.

[0142] The data size and the display size are selected by the imagecontroller/superimpose circuit 166 according to the detected frame sizesignal 12 a. The CMK data, processed and transformed as to data type,data size, and display size are held and transferred to the outputcircuit 162.

[0143] The transfer circuit 160 is also included in the secondoperational circuit. This second operational circuit is for outputtingRGB data or a composite video signal to the CRT, LCD, or other displaydevice and comprises the transfer circuit 160, the CRT deviationcorrection circuit 163, an image hold/process circuit 164, and a CRToutput circuit 165. These block are controlled by an imagecontroller/superimpose circuit 166 and processes using data from thememory 165.

[0144] The CRT deviation correction circuit 163 corrects the CRTdeviation using the CRT deviation data from the memory 165 andtransforms the CMK Data into RGB data. The image hold/process circuit164 receives the RGB data and processes an image superimposition ontothe RGB data. The RGB data is controlled and adjusted to a display sizeby the image controller/superimpose circuit 166 according to thedetected frame size signal 12 a. The display data for superimpositionare the film size 172, a number of the frame 173, and the order numberinformation 176, as shown in FIG. 28. The image hold/process circuit 164has two image planes. One image plane holds the RGB data and other imageplane holds the superimpose data. These two image plane data aretransferred to the output circuit 165 where they are mixed orsuperimposed with each other and transferred as RGB data or as acomposite video signal.

[0145]FIGS. 30A through 30D illustrates such an image superimposition.As shown in FIGS. 30A through 30C, an image of the photographic film canbe selectively enlarged. The display data for film size 171, the numberof the frame 173 and other data is superimposed on the image. FIG. 30Dshows order confirmation windows by use by the operation in confirmingthe order information. This menu is displayed after the graphical menu171 of the order as shown FIG. 28. On the screen of FIG. 30D, twelvewindows are displayed corresponding to twelve exposures on the film.Each window continuously displays each frame of the processedphotographic film 1. A display area below each window displays orderinformation, such as print size 175 and the number 176 of prints to bemade.

[0146] Another embodiment of the photographic and video image system isshown in FIGS. 31A and 31B. The relationship of the lamp and the CCD areinverted in FIG. 31A relative to FIG. 24. This photographic image systemis a line scanner type using a CCD 961 in the form of a line sensor.This line sensor 96′ has an electronic shutter circuit shown in FIG. 32.This electronic shutter circuit comprises a timing generator 181controlled by control data from the system controller 95 and by overflowdata from an analog-digital converter 180. The timing generator 181generates a variable width timing pulse at the CCD shutter pulse period.This pulse may be used in place of the diaphragm or iris 100 or togetherwith the diaphragm or iris 100.

[0147] Referring back to FIGS. 31A and 31B the processed film 1 isdriven by the film driving motor and illuminated by the lamp 89 and thediffuse filter 90. A glass window 81, the lamp 89, and the diffusefilter 90 are disposed in the lower body 72 of the photographic andvideo imaging system 70. The detectors 155, 156 for detecting a framesize 12 a and a frame mark 40 a and the recording/writing head 112 aredisposed on opposite sides of the film 1 from the window 81. The framecenter mark 40 a may be replaced by a hole 19. The line sensor 96′ and alens 148 are disposed on a slider 149. The slider 149 is driven along aposition rod 152 by a motor 150 and a belt 151.

[0148] The above two embodiments of the photographic image system relateto an automatic printer in which the photosensitive paper is replaced bya CCD. These two embodiments use an exposure control signal magneticallyor optically recorded between an edge of the photographic film and aneffective exposure area of the photographic film. These embodiments usethe same position on the film for an order information area as in thepreviously explained embodiment, and this order information area is usedby the automatic printer system at the time the photographic prints aremade. The exposure control signal can be used not only by the processorbut also by the user, and the user can print by a simple printer systemaccording to the present invention. Such a home printing system can becombined with a computer system or a television for display.

[0149] The present invention uses an exposure control signalmagnetically or optically recorded between an edge of the photographicfilm and an effective exposure area of the photographic film. Thissignal can be used not only by the processor but also by the individualuser, so that the individual can print using a relatively simple printersystem according to the present invention. This simple home system canbe combined with a computer system or a television for display. Also, anexposure control signal of the present invention may include anauxiliary signal for controlling a printer system or indicating certainfeatures to the user. Thus, the present invention as described above canbe used for many applications because it avoids using the punched innotch required in previously proposed systems.

[0150] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to those precise embodiments and variouschanges and modifications could be effected by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

1-31. (Canceled).
 32. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a body; an imagetransforming device provided in the body to receive an optical imagefrom an existing image and to transform the received optical image intoelectrical image data; an adjusting device provided in the body toelectrically adjust the image data; a hold and process circuit providedin the body to hold the image data and to transform the adjusted imagedata into one of bit-map type data, GIF type data, TIFF type data, andJPEG type data; and output circuits provided in the body to outputcomputer-readable data including the transformed image data via a datacommunication line.
 33. The imaging apparatus according to claim 32,wherein the output circuits output the computer-readable data whichincludes the transformed image data and auxiliary data, the auxiliarydata controlling one of a computer and a printer.
 34. The imagingapparatus according to claim 32, wherein the hold and processing circuittransforms the adjusted image data into a predetermined display size fordisplay on a computer.
 35. The imaging apparatus according to claim 32,wherein the hold and processing circuit transforms the adjusted imagedata into a predetermined data size and a predetermined display size.36. The imaging apparatus according to claim 32, further including anelectronic shutter circuit to generate a variable width timing pulse andto electrically control a shutter period of the image transformingdevice.
 37. A method of transforming optical image into an electricalimage data, the method comprising the steps of: receiving andtransforming the optical image from an existing image; electricallyadjusting the image data; holding and transforming the adjusted imagedata into one of bit-map type data, GIF type data, TIFF type data, andJPEG type data; and outputting computer-readable data including thetransformed image data, wherein the step of holding and transformingfurther transforms the adjusted image data into a predetermined datasize and a predetermined display size for displaying on a computer.